Week 20 and 21

Well, where have I been. Sick again.... Oh what fun it is to be pregnant and a kids English teaching in the middle of cold and flu season. Though, I think I would rather now, than in the middle of Summer over here. Gosh, that would be terrible. In fact, I think April/May is a perfect time to deliver. Not too hot or cold.
Apart from the sickness, the last two weeks have been great pregnancy wise. Little Pi chan is kicking more and more, and harder each day (thankfully, not too hard yet). Last night, Husband was even able to feel the kicks! Unfortunately it was 11:30 at night, and he was due to get up in 4 and a half hours, so I will forgive him not being too enthusiastic.

I am really starting to pop out too. The last too weeks has given me a proper little pooch, which is nice to see with clothes on. I am still getting used to the way I look now with clothes off. Maybe when I get even bigger I will be more comfortable with my new shape- I know that sounds weird, but then it will be big pregnant and round, instead of poochy and as big as I am wide.

Nothing to complain about for pregnancy symptoms either, which is so nice. I am really going to enjoy it while I can. It is my last week of full time, and will be dropping my hours a further 6 teaching hours a week (it doesn't seem like much, but when you add in lesson prep, and teaching times it makes a big difference). My pay will also drop unfortunately, but I was sick of fighting (not really) with my boss and was happy for that one particular stress to be over with.

I am also trying not to stress about my current visa- which expires in two weeks. Usually it would be enough time to do it, but they are are closed for 6 out of the next 10 working days, and the days they are open, we will be away in Kyoto. We have taken the afternoon off to try and beg them (we have been back twice before with our paperwork, and each time they keep telling us that we need more evidence). The problem is, now that last bit of evidence we need is in a different prefecture, without enough time to get it too us... Still, stress isn't good for Pichan, so I will be thinking positive thoughts that they will be compassionate.

Anyway, I will be having two weeks off from writing as I am off on holidays for two weeks, and my parents are over here. Merry Xmas to all, and a happy new year.


Week: 21 and a half
Baby bump: Nice and poochy
Movement: The kicks are getting stronger and more frequent. It's a lovely reminder that Pi is growing well.
Complaints: None at all
Maternity clothes: Nothing yet, but my order is due to arrive in the next day or so. Yay

19 weeks and appointment

I am a few days late writing about 19 weeks, so thought I would include today's appointment in there too.

Little Pi is slowly kicking a little bit more, not as much as I would like, but every now and then I feel a little patter inside and think, "was that Pi?". I am slowing accepting that it is Pi, and not just a muscle twitch, or my heartbeat (which I really feel through my stomach these days). My tummy is slowly growing out, which is kind of nice to see. Thanks to a piece of elastic and some clips, I have fashioned a pants holder upper thing to go under my belly band (of which, I now have three). Two from Ebay that are kind of crap and loose, and one from a Japanese maternity site called "milk tea".  I prefer that one, and would buy more clothes from there but I find it hard enough to find clothes that fit right when I am not sporting a belly, let alone when I am sporting one.

I finally placed an order from Zulilly the other day. With some basic camis, jeans, and a couple of casual tops. I will probably need some business tops in there too, but there weren't any on sale. Which is the only problem with ordering from that site-0 things are only on sale for 72hrs and it is one brand up at a time, which means that if you want to wait until you can get a few things from different stores, the things you originally like have either sold out, or gone off sale. The price of postage is what stops me from placing multiple orders- at $77, it's a lot of money but the bargins make it worth it. I have finally cleaned out my cupboard a little bit too, and put away about 70% of my wardrobe which is mostly unwearable.

Today's appointment was the 19 week scan, where they go through things in a bit more details. It wasn't with my usual doctor, but another guy who didn't speak English, and after I told him I only speak a little Japanese, he went fairly quiet until the end (though maybe that is just his way when he is checking things out). At the end he flipped the screen around. Pi-chan is about 250g and growing well by the looks of it. He said that everything is fine. I asked him if it is a boy, or a girl and he told me "Maybe a *beeeeep* (we're trying to keep it a secret until the birth). From what I hear the Japanese 'maybe' is usually pretty certain, they just want the security that a 'maybe' provides.

I have gained nearly 2.5kgs in the last two weeks! Gah! (She types with a bucket of cupcakes next to her...). However they didn't say anything. Hopefully it will only be one in the next 3 weeks, though in order for that to happen I need to exercise more, and eat less junk food. That really doesn't sound fun at all...



Week: 19
Baby bump: slowly growing.
Movement: Little flutters, very very few though.
Complaints: Nothing really.
Maternity clothes: An extra belly belt that fits better, and an internet order that is yet to arrive.

18 Weeks

This week I am starting to feel really great. I have attempted a salad twice- both times a failure, as they don't have great salad leaves choice over here; mainly just chopped cabbage (which doesn't a salad make). My energy seems to have increased slightly again and nausea gone (or, nothing I feel I can really complain about). Mind you, after going shopping for maternity clothes on Saturday in Yokohama I was beyond exhausted. I mean completely, utterly wiped out. I didn't even want to eat dinner I was so tired- not to mention the excursion was completely fruitless as well.

Which brings me on to maternity clothes:
While trying to get dressed I has a massive freak out. I had reached the stage where none of the clothes I could wear would fit. I was left with fat jeans (which I think are pretty hideous, and are reserved for garden work, etc) or wearing tights as pants (not going to happen). I have reached the realisation that I am going to have to cull out most of my wardrobe, as most of my clothes were bought form fitting. And now that my form is growing- they don't fit...


Maternity clothes in Japan, I believe (from what I have found) are disgusting. Maybe it's just that I am used to dressing to show off my figure (kind of a trim, hour glass shape) and I am tall (179cm or 5'10). The maternity clothes I have found are all burlaps sacks, in horrific prints, or skinny pants (in horrific prints) that would be knee high on me. Not to mention that I couldn't find a single maternity store. The best I could get is a tiny section in some larger baby/department stores. Needless to say I was extremely disappointed.

I got to thinking what Japanese women did. I mean, what do they do with such a piddly selection. Here is what I came up with:
1- they mostly quit their jobs, so they have no need for smart looking office attire.
2- their regular clothes are so baggy (to hide their more up and down figures) that they don't really need to buy anything special (so I believe).

After this deduction I decided to hit the stores again on Suunday night, and found two baggy sweater dresses (not maternity) which, while not what I would choose (I like tight), look decent enough and can probably grow up to 40 weeks in them. So that with a pair of my comfortable leggings (most of them are uncomfortable and give me back pain) I have two 'go to' outfits that will fit and be comfortable. I also bought three pairs of shoes- which I didn't want to buy any shoes until after I delivered because of the growing feet problem... whoops.

So what am I going to do? Well, I think I will keep my eyes out for more baggy clothes like that and maybe a poncho or so to keep me warm in the winter. As for the work situation, I am going to buy some shirts online. I have made a kind of pants fastener with elastic and clips, which will hopefully keep my work pants up and I can continue wearing them... I hope. My belly bands I bought off ebay finally arrived yesterday (after nearly 5 weeks- thank goodness I bought them early). I am disappointed in them, as I bought a knock off version which is way too big on me, to I am going to have to hand sew it smaller and let the stitches out later. But, it hides my open pants, so that will be fine for now.

I am also currently looking at tutorials for creating a maternity shirt out a men's business shirts, so I am hoping to get a few and tie a nice ribbon or something around them, and then maybe husband can still use them later.

I will post more on my success/failure trying to dress myself at a later date though... Until then- baby!









Week: 18
Baby bump: slowly growing.
Movement: The same little flutters, very very few though- which is a shame, I was hoping they would be getting stronger and more noticeable by now...
Complaints: Nothing really.
Maternity clothes: Two baggy sweater dresses. Two belly bands (that don't fit) and a make shift pants holder-up belt.

17 Weeks

17 weeks and  I am feeling great. More importantly, I think I am feeling Pi-chan. It's so hard to tell at this stage but there were little flutters (which I thought might be food), and this morning at Japanese lessons there were more little flutters- that surely wouldn't be food related this time.

I am starting to get really hungry these day. I still am not eating as well as I should, but hopefully I will get my arse into gear soon. I am gradually having more salads, and munching on carrot sticks so it is a big improvement from a few weeks ago.

Speaking of Japanese lessons; for the first time I thought that I might ask my teacher to help translate Kanji. I was trying to buy car insurance, so copied some unknown Kanji into my Japanese book. Then I also wanted to know one of the Kanji that was in the birth plan book that the clinic gave me. I managed to find all of the other Kanji, and I thought being the first Kanji on the list that it would be fairly innocuous.... Well, she read it and gave me a little look; kind of an amused, questioning glance. Then she said the Japanese word for medicine... Well, I then looked it up in my dictionary and the word was enema (kanchou)... No wonder she gave me a look. It worked out well though as I was looking for a good opening to tell her that I am pregnant, and then it made a lot more sense to her. She was also happy too.

Funnily enough, I have heard the word Kanchou on a regular basis... I am sure all the other Japanese teachers in Japan have had to guard their rectum at some stage which kids try to stick their fingers up there, while yelling "Kanchou".... 

Ahh, Japan.

Week: 17
Baby bump: Tiny, but getting there
Movement: Maybe little flutters... Let's hope.
Complaints: Nope- I am going to not complain for a week...
Maternity clothes: None yet, but I am starting to need it. I had to change into my Fat jeans on the weekend... Which I haven't worn for a year....

Quad Test (Quattro test)-

So last time I posted that I was offered, and refused the Quad test. My reasons for refusing at the time were mainly financial (not sure how much it would cost), and also not wanting to freak out over results. After I wasn't given an NT scan at 13 weeks, I had accepted that it was no use worrying about all the things that could be wrong with any baby and to leave it in the hands of little Pi-chan.

That night, DH and I sat down and had a long talk. He was very pro getting the test, mainly for his own reasons, however I was hesitant; What would we do if it came back with challenging news? It took me a long time to come to the decision, but was easy in the end, that no matter what, it wouldn't change anything. DH also eventually came to the same conclusions, but never the less, we decided that the test would either put our minds at ease, or help us prepare for the future. Besides, it doesn't hurt little Pi-chan because it is just drawing my blood, unlike other tests.

It seems as though my clinic only offers the test between week 15-16, and seeing as I am 16 weeks, 5 days, we hopped to it and off I drove again to the next town. Unfortunately, the wait this morning was a long one. After being there for an hour (I was number 14, and they were just calling number 7), I had to leave to go to work. I went back to the receptionist to hand in my number, but luckily she tried her best to accommodate me, first seeing if I could come back today, or tomorrow (but as I am working my 12 hr days) it wasn't a possibility until Monday- which I got the feeling that it was too late. Either way, she said I would be the next after the next, but after she got the point that I really had to go, they asked me to wait and that I would be the next person.

The doctor went through a form that was kind of scary, one that he couldn't really translate, but I got the idea that it was a disclaimer saying that these things are more of a guide than anything else. Then another form with three questions- Do I have diabetes, are there any problems with brothers or sisters children, and I forget the last question. He told me he will call me with the results in 7-10days. Then, it was just a matter of getting blood drawn (which I think was only one vial, and super quick), and then handing over the 18000 and off on my way to make it just in time for class. The only real regret is about spending the money (which could have bought a crib), but if it helps us in the future I am sure we will think differently.

16 week check up.

Off I went again, this time with little traffic so I arrived nice and early and was the first patient in there. After receiving my number card, I went and got my blood pressure, urine and weight. Usually I write down my blood pressure but because I was the only one, it happened so quickly that I didn't get a chance.

I am happy to say that my weight isn't as crazy as it could have been. I think it was about 1.4kg gain, which isn't so bad over three weeks (by Australian standards it is right on track), and hopefully when the last of this cold goes then I will start walking again and not pack on the kilos so quickly.

Today, I had a nice surprise when he put me on the table for an external ultrasound. The nurse covered me up with a blanket, and then undid my pants (I was thinking that I could handle that part). He got the doppler out first thing, and this time I could hear Pi's heartbeat really loudly. The the doctor took lots and lots of measurements. The things he pointed out was the head, the abdomen, the thigh bone, the left hand and the spine. It wasn't what I expected at all. I always see the classic ultrasound shots of the baby, side on, head to toe so you can see all of the little baby. This was just parts, except for the spine shot, then I got to see Pi-chan with a head and half a body. Which made me happy.  The doctor also took the weight of the baby, which was 104grams. After which, he gave me tissues to clean myself up, and then he said, "now, internal".

Yep, they are really ultrasound happy. Not quite sure why I needed an external and internal, all he had a look at was the head and then that was it. Wipe off the lube and get dressed again, really. After, he said that they could do the Quattro test if I still wanted (do you remember an earlier post about my NT scan question, and he said he can test me from 16-18weeks). Well, it turns out the test he was talking about was a Quattro, not any of the needle in the baby tests. Worried about the costs, I said no and he seemed happy by the answer, agreeing that it is 'normal pregnancy' not necessary. He told me to come back in three weeks, where a different technician will take lots of different measurements. It is kind of reassuring to know that they do monitor everything carefully.

I wasn't going to ask him about finding out the sex of the baby, but when he asked if I had any questions and I forgot the important question I wanted to ask so I enquired when (in Japan) we could find out the gender (I have read countless times it is 30 weeks). To my pleasant surprise he said "today there was a thigh bone, but next time". Wow! Maybe we can find out early. I would love that!!!

Between finding out the sex early, and offering the Quattro test (which I don't know if I will take) I am really starting to love my doctor and my clinic.

Today's visit cost: 1000yen (with the vouchers)


I thought I should mention the Quattro test is called the
母体血清マーカー or クアトロテスト or  ( Botai kessei mākā (kuatorotesuto) ). 
 My clinic offers it for $180.

16 Weeks

It's so funny to think how slowly the weeks were going when I first found out that I was pregnant, but now they feel like they are flying. Which is fantastic!!! 16 weeks must be a good number for me, because though I am still getting over my cold, I barely feel nauseated at all. Yay! I even stopped wearing my sea sickness bands which hadn't left my wrists (save for sleeping and showering) since they arrived in the mail. I do have an appointment this week, and when I jumped on the scales the other day it looks like I have gained at least 2 kgs in the last three weeks. Gahhh! So I am curious (and a little apprehensive) to be weighed on the doctor's scales to see just what the damage is- it might be worse.

My clothes are getting just that little bit tighter. I ordered some belly bands from ebay a few weeks ago, so I am really hoping they get here soon. Otherwise I might have to visit a baby store, otherwise i'll run out of clothes to wear for work. Sometimes I feel that my bump is impressive, and other times I feel like it is non existent, which makes me think that it maybe be more food than bump still. Sad face.

I am also always surfing the net for maternity clothes, and sometimes find some great clothes and instantly want to buy, but the shipping to japan can sometimes be 5 times that of the item. Soon I will have to bite the bullet and order some though, because shipping is usually quite a few weeks and Japanese maternity clothes look more like sacks that are used to cover your shame. Maybe I will have to end up buying a few sacks, though at this stage I am more tempted to raid the men's department at uniclo. They don't really have sexy-chic clothes to highlight the best features of being pregnant (heaven forbid) anyway and from what I have seen they are even seriously lacking in some plain of casual business type formal wear. I was reading the other day that many Japanese women quit their job in the second trimester, and I have never seen a heavily pregnant woman working before. My student is also newly pregnant (she is 32), and works a part time (5 hours, 3 days a week) receptionist job, and she is quitting in the second trimester. I asked her why, and she said because of the late nights (she finishes at 9pm some nights). Gosh knows what Japanese society will think of me- doing 12 hr days and getting home from work at 10:30pm most nights. Mind you, if I could avoid the 12 hr days and late nights, I would, but it comes with the job; so it's either work it, or quit. Wouldn't it be nice to be pregnant in a pregnancy friendly society, hey...

Week: 16
Baby bump: Still more of a junk food bump, hopefully any week now.
Movement: None
Complaints: Barely any. The occasional sore back, cramps and tiredness, but overall I am feeling great.
Maternity clothes: None yet, either worn or bought.

15 weeks

The great news about 15 weeks, or close to it, as my energy has been returning (not in crazy amounts, but much better than the dead by 11am feeling I had), and my morning sickness is just about gone. Yay. This week marks another cold for me, and I really was wanting to start exercising again this week. Unfortunately, with a combination of teaching young children, and a lowered immune system because of pregnancy, I am ill once again.
Hopefully a bit of rest will set me right, and maybe 16 is the lucky number for exercising...

In other news this week. My boss came to a temporary decision about my working hours (against his liking though). After we announced my pregnancy to the staff at the last staff meeting, I made it pretty clear to everyone that we are still discussing the hours at work thing. Afterwards, he mentioned putting me on part time- to everyone (which is definitely not what I want), however I remained stoically silent on the matter to let him know I wasn't going to go along and agree with whatever he said. Later that day, he told me he would be cutting my hours from 25, to 21 (which is what most of the male staff already have, some only have 18hrs- it's just that I am the only female that my schedule is overloaded), but obviously that would keep me at full time salary. He then mentioned that we would review in a few months about putting me on part time. Again, not want I want, so nothing but silence from me. I think he might be getting the point that I am not going to budge super easily. At this point I don't know which classes will be cut, or when it will take effect, but hopefully if it gives me a bit more time to rest then it will be really valuable in the future. I am really happy that he came through in the end. It's just a shame that Japan is so far behind in maternal rights, otherwise I would have never had to fight this mini battle.

Caffeine in tea

Recently I have heard and read from a source or two, that if you steep a teabag for 30 seconds, throw out the water and then make another cup of tea, your tea should be 90% caffeine free. I am a little paranoid about doing the wrong thing, and if it wasn't winter, I would be tempted to not have warm drinks at all (but it is getting too cold these days).

Generally accepted is that a cup of black tea contains about 40-60mg of caffeine, so 'they' tell us that a few cups a day should be fine. However, I would rather not have to worry, so I did a bit of research:

According to a study done by Hicks et all published in 1996 in Food Research International, steeping a tea for 15 minutes and then flushing it out removes 100% of the caffeine.  Experiments have shown that steeping for about 5 minutes works quite well in retaining the flavour and that removes about 70% of the caffeine.


The data from their finding extrapolated below shows the caffeine extraction percentages within the 5 minutes period. Steeping for:

30 seconds – 9%
1 minute – 18 %
2 minutes - 34%
3 minutes - 48%
4 minutes- 60%
5 minutes - 69%
10 minutes - 92%
15 minutes - 100%


From: http://39steeps.blogspot.jp/2009/07/tea-myth-busted-90-of-caffeine-comes.html
Because 10 mins would probably take away most of the taste, along with the caffeine, I have switched to Roobios- which is caffeine free, and supposedly quite good with the health effects. It doesn't taste like black tea, but it might be the closest substitute you can get. Mind you, I think with everything- pregnant or not- moderation is always key.

Bottoms up...

14 weeks

Well, now that the news is officially out there, this blog is too (it was private for the last few weeks). 14 weeks means that no matter which source you refer to, I am in the second trimester.

It was fun telling everyone and making the announcement. Family were called, close friends emailed, and facebook like this:


A New Hope: coming 27/04/2014





It made it all more real actually sharing the news with people. Nice to see people getting excited about it, and it's nice not to have to hide our own excitement.

I am already feeling like I have more energy (don't get me wrong, I could still nap) but I don't feel like I am going to collapse. The morning sickness is almost gone too. Now it is just if I get too hungry, or tired. Which is great news. I am getting a little bit of a belly (more baby than bread, I think), so it might only be another week or two before it looks like there is a proper baby in there. I am really looking forward to the next few months; such exciting times.

Japan labour Laws

So I phoned the labour office in Tokyo yesterday to find out a few rights for pregnant women. I thought it best to be prepared, rather than agree to something and fight it later. So the two things my boss mentioned were taking me to part time hours, and finishing me up early.

Part time hours- it is illegal to change an employee to part time hours, because they are pregnant, without their consent.

Finishing up before maternity leave starts- An employer can finish an employee before maternity leave starts, but then said employee will have to pay a maternity leave subsidy up until the government subsidy starts.

I will have to give them a call back on Friday, or another time to find out if I actually will be eligible for maternity leave and childcare leave payments, as if I finish up before the end of March, I wouldn't have been working a full year....

The branch in Tokyo offers services in English on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Here are the details:

http://tokyo-roudoukyoku.jsite.mhlw.go.jp/var/rev0/0073/5469/20131993818.pdf


Information on Advisory Services for Foreign Workers

 Tokyo Labour Bureau, Labour Standards Department, Inspection Division

 Advisory services on working conditions both in English and Chinese are provided to the foreign
 workers in Japan as follows.

 Office : Tokyo Labour Bureau
 Labour Standards Department
 Inspection Division
 D a y s : Monday, Wednesday and Friday for English, Tuesday and Thursday for Chinese
 H o u rs : 10:00a.m.～4:00p.m. (except noon～1:00p.m.)
 Matters : General working conditions related to wages, dismissal, retirement,
 working hours, days off and others
 P h o n e : 03-3512-1612

* Please note that the day(s) may be changed. Confirm the above office and make an appointment before visiting.

13 weeks 3 days appointment

Off again I went. This time with a scheduled appointment, unlike the last few times where it is just a rock up. Today I filled out my coupon book, and another form which i believe has something to do with reparations if they screw something up. Not really sure, and I should start bringing these along to Japanese class, or to my friend to get them to help translate.

I did my usual BUW (Blood pressure, urine, weight), and found that I have gained 1.4kgs in the last 3 weeks. Not surprising really considering my appetite has come back, but still not into eating healthy foods quite yet (Though I am feeling better about them this week). So that puts me back to where I started, pretty much. 62.4kg (Though I started at 63.4). Not great, but the nurse didn't seem to mind and the doctor didn't say anything. I will just have to make healthier choices in the future- though exercising still seems like way too much effort at the moment.

The blood test results are back- It looks like he was testing me for a lot of STD's, and one of the first thing he said was. You don't have aids. Always great news, but as I forgot what I was being tested for, it was a bit out of the blues. All the usual was done, Hepatitis, rubella etc and all came back 'no problem', plus whatever else they were testing for was 'no problem'. I also found out my blood type- A+, always good to know.

The utrasound today was another internal, to my surprise. I was expecting external and to see the regular shot of the baby at 12 weeks, (plus, that is how they look for the Neural tube gap). Pi-chan has grown to 6.4cms, which is about double of 3 weeks ago (so maybe all the weight gain isn't just the bread). Before they did the ultrasound, he also did a clyamida swab. It makes me wonder if all Japanese women get these, or if it is just a 'she looks like a promiscuous Gaijin' thing. Probably the former, and better safe then sorry. I heard little Pi-chan's heartbeat too, which was a lot softer than I was expecting.

Today's appointment was 3000. i don't know if they used a coupon, as it is usually 4000, and it probably would have been more for the clyamidia test. Though, I didn't notice any coupons used. Ah well. They also gave me a cute little pouch for all my books and things, but because I am using the English boshi techo (mother and child handbook) it doesn't fit. A shame really.

In there was another book which the receptionist went through all the important pages- numbers to call in an emergency, a schedule of what happens in the week at the hospital, things to bring to the hospital, and a birthplan that needs to be given in at 36 weeks. All of this I will need translated, but I should get there in the end. :) I am just glad that requesting things is an option.

Hurray for another step forward...

13 Weeks

Some books say that today is the start of the second trimester. I am already feeling a lot more hopeful, and as long as I keep eating, the morning sickness mainly stays away. Hurrah! Hopefully some energy will come back soon and I will start exercising again. See how we go next week. Unfortunately, because I am so busy with work (the busiest teacher in my company), it means what little energy I have gets saved up for teaching.

Speaking of work. I finally told my boss yesterday. I was super nervous when I saw him, crazy heartbeat and everything, but felt much better after letting the cat out of the bag. He wasn't happy, as was expected, but he was expecting the news at some stage (after all, I did tell him it was on the cards during the recruitment process). He mentioned cutting down my hours, which would be great. However, the more he thought about it, the more it sounded like he wants to cut me down to part time. Certainly NOT great, with a baby on the way we will need all the money we can get. He also wants to take me off work earlier than the end of March. I was hoping to finish off the school year, but I would be happy to compromise with the end of Feb, or something, preferably mid March though. I have tried to look at what my rights are in Japan, but really can't find anything. I get the feeling he will (of coarse) do what is best for him. I will just have to try and have a firm voice and not agree with everything so easily, unless it is in my best interest. I suppose it is a bit harder when one is a children and adults English teacher- while the adult classes will be okay, the kids classes will be very difficult with a giant belly (on and off the floor). Though, if I got through them in the first trimester, surely I can do 8 weeks into the second/third...

12 weeks

The internet can be a bad source of information. There is just so much information that sites regularly contradict themselves. Some sites claim that 10 marks the transition from an embryo to a fetus, some say 12. Some say 12 weeks marks the beginning of the second trimester, some say 13, or 14. Some say that week 12 is the 'safer' time, some say 13, or 14. The Japanese doctors say 20 weeks is the safe time (So I have heard from my pregnant Japanese friend). I suppose at the end of the day, I should just treat the pregnancy like they would have back in the days before countless books and the internet; keep healthy, and ride out the 40 weeks. I suppose it doesn't really matter if the baby is a fetus or an embryo, if I am in the second trimester yet or not, and as for safety- I really shouldn't be doing anything less safe (like going snowboarding, or eating raw fish), just because I am past magic line- it will still be bad for the baby. 

I mentioned my Japanese friend before (who doesn't know that I am pregnant, yet) who told me some interesting information from her doctor. She is very healthy- would run regularly and is the kind that rides bicycles up mountains, but her doctor told her she can no longer run. Back in Oz, it is known that if you did it before, you can keep doing it (just take it easier), but if you didn't run, then now is not the time to start. What surprised me wasn't the running though, she was also told she couldn't walk until 20weeks. I couldn't believe it! Everything I have ever read extols the virtues of walking (a brisk daily stroll), not to mention the Japanese doctors are so fanatical about not gaining too much weight. Obviously the doctors here still like the idea of the pregnant woman laying on her back for 40 weeks.

What can I take away from this- I think that maybe it's best not to ask the doctor any questions I may already know the answer to. Not that I don't trust all their information, but at the end of the day I am Australia, so I should probably do what it told for Australians. Also, I really should start walking again- and stop eating so much cake...

11 weeks

Another week down- Yay! Nothing too exciting about week 11 so far (apart from the fact that i am a week closer to meeting the little one, of coarse). The nausea seems to be getting slightly better - though I wear seabands constantly, so I am not sure if it is those keeping them away (but I do feel worse when I take them off). This week I have been developing that weird taste in my mouth (Dysgeusia). Which really isn't very pleasant- but I would rather that than the tiredness or vomiting. My husband and I hope to climb a small hill this weekend, so it will be a good test of how much better I am doing, as last weekend when we were out shopping I felt quite bad (I am okay when I am not doing anything though).

My Japanese teacher totally guessed my pregnancy too. I didn't want to lie to her, so I fessed up but I felt a little bad afterwards as we have been keeping it a real secret (Hence why this blog is still private for a few more weeks). It does make me look forward to telling my boss next week though (not the telling, just the confessing), so that I can finally let the cat out of the bag. Luckily, being overseas and away from close friends makes it quite easy to keep it all a secret. Not long now :D

10 week appointment

So off I went again to the doctors- still unsure if I should actually be there or not quite so early, but the doctor didn't seem to mind or care that I was there. The usual blood pressure/urine/weight check, and then off to see the doctor. I was surprised at yet another ultrasound, but everything is coming along well, and the baby is growing. The scans due date is the same as the doctor's, so maybe I can officially call it the 27/04/14. See if it changes.

The big difference about this visit was he finally wanted me to have a blood test. He said it was for glucose and a few other things, so I was happy to have the test for wellbeings sake. I asked him if this tests for downsyndrome, and he asked if I was worried and he will do a test after 15 week.  Now that I ahve gotten home, I have realised that they don't test for downsyndrome through blood, but through ultrasound, and now I am worried they will give me another one- or a CVS test which I really don't want)*note to self, do research before asking questions..... After the ultrasound, a sat in the corner and a nurse came over with a needle. But I told her that I often fall down (I didn't know the word for feint) and so she took me off to a room with a bed (a proper bed, with a duvet and everything) for the test. I felt a bit bad for causing trouble, but I have passed out after my last three blood tests, and I could feel the blood rush from my face a little bit, so it was probably better safe then causing a scene on the floor.


Though, when time came for the bill, I nearly fainted- because of the cost. The receptionist told me that it would be more expensive today because of the blood test... But it was 16200! Holy Moley! The worst thing was that I didn't bring my vouchers with me today, expecting it to be less than the the usual 4000 (because I didn't think I would see the doctor), and didn't want to waste my coupons. I think they might have only given me 3000 off anyway, so I suppose it is no biggie. But I was still shocked, and lesson learned. Not to mention an important wake up call about how much this baby will really cost. Still super happy to be pregnant, but I suppose I should enjoy the days of my shop bought frappuccinos while I still can.

10 Weeks

Another week down, and only 30 or so more to go. Yay. This week the nausea has been pretty mild, most of the time it is barely noticeable, but if I get hungry or smell something then sometimes I get a wave of an intense need to vomit. I am glad that it is week 10 already so there may only be a few more weeks before I start feeling normal. I am looking forward (kind of) to helping around the house a bit more too- and not needing my naps anymore (before this, I was severely anti-nap, but I can't get through the day without them most of the time.

Little baby is apparently officially a foetus, and her organs are starting to work already. It will be my endeavour to eat at least a little bit healthier this week, and exercise 4 times. I need to get back into it, I am just so tired and healthy food isn't the least appealing. Bread and fried potato, however, is most appealing.

Boshi techo- Mother and Child handbook

Today I finally bit the bullet and went to city hall to register my pregnancy. I was told last week by the doctor that I could go and register, but I have been putting it off due to fear (only a little), and the fact that I live in a TINY town (for Japan) where people are huge gossips- so the last thing I wanted was for it to get back to my boss before I tell him (probably in week 12).

My Japanese is about level 4- which means I can hold a basic conversation with poor grammar, and most of the time know the gist of what people are saying (though, sometimes it can be a bad thing as knowing only half of something is sometimes less helpful. Like knowing they told me not to do something, but I don't know want I can't do). I bring it up because if your Japanese is less than mine, bring a friend. I was able to get through, but they do ask some pretty obscure questions on the form you need to fill out.

I went to my city office (called something else though, because my town is not actually big enough to be classified as a city- town hall maybe) and dopely asked the first person I saw where I register a pregnancy. He pointed me a few counters down and a lovely woman sat me down (after her initial frightened look of "how on earth will I help this foreigner"). In my town they did have the bilingual mother and child handbook (aka: Boshi Techo- its a good word to remember), but she gave me a copy of the Japanese book as well, because although they are almost the same, the Japanese book has some helpful phone numbers in there as well. I am yet to decipher what the numbers are for but she thought it would be good for me to have a copy.

The form asked all the usual questions- name, husbands name, DOB, address, how many weeks along, the due date. Then if I had a cervical text ( I think for cancer- I told them yes) and then an anemia test (I said no). I thought it was an interesting question, as I am yet to have blood taken. On the form was also if it was our first child, if I drink or smoke, and also how I felt when I found out I was pregnant (very happy, happy, not so happy).

Then there was a question that left a bit of a gap in my Japanese ability- which was if I had any support here. I told her my husband is a great help, but I think she wanted family, or a family doctor. She didn't seem very satisfied (and quite worried) so I told her that my doctor and a nurse spoke a bit of English, and I have an English speaking Japanese friend, and she seemed a little happier about that.

That was about it for the form (thank goodness). She told me that they have a midwife working at the city office that I can contact if I need (though I won't due to the language barrier), and that after the baby is born they will send her out for a free visit. In my town they also give you a free dental check up if you are preggers- yay. They also give you the most sought after coupon book- which contains 14 coupons (I believe 13 for 3000Yen off, and 1 for 7000yen- I am yet to confirm). My last visit was 4000, so I think it will only cost me about 1000yen ($10) in the future, which is pretty great. Maybe I will ask a Japanese friend to help me translate it one of these days (once my pregnancy is known to the outside world).

In the pack they also give you:
The maternity key ring- which is supposed to let people know you are up the duff so that they are more likely to give up their seat.
Tissues- because it is Japan.
Leaflets- so far I can decipher the following leaflets: "smoking is bad", "how to be a good husband/father/what is happening to your wife", "formula company leaflet"- they are getting in early, "don't shake the baby", "don't let your baby play with knives", "why you should brush your child's teeth", "Mum's teeth", "mini cookbook"- not as exciting as it sounds, "don't get fat, fatty", "raw food kills babies", a leaflet for upcoming classes, a list of dentists for your free check up, "so, you're knocked up book", and two books I have no idea- because they are just pages of kanji with no pictures.

So that's that. It took about 40mins (for some reason), but I am officially registered! Yay. Now to just get through the next 7 months...

Week 9

I wish I would be writing more than what I will- but unfortuanately I have caught a cold. Let me tell you, a cold in the first trimester is not fun at all. Already are most women exhausted and nauseated, but put on the symptoms of a cold and it makes one feel horrible- especially not being able to take anything, or use anything to help it get better. It also doesn't help that I can't call in sick with me job (not without no doubt attracting a lot of negative attention and we don't get sick days anyway; welcome to Eikaiwa).

Usually when I get a cold I hit the home remedies like a mad man. I chew raw garlic (nice), drink tumeric and ginger powder in milk and take honey by the teaspoon. I started that for a day or two, but then I remembered that I might hurt the little pea by doing so, so I stopped it all quick smart- except for honey and lemon in hot water. I figure that it's better to be safe than sorry, so instead just tried to rest as much as I could and also take a metaphorical teaspoon of cement to harden up a bit.

I am certainly not looking forward to the countless times I will be sick over the next few months (pregnant women get sick for longer, and more often/easily) as I teach over 100 snotty students every week. I suppose I will just have to keep that cement handy :)

Sonogram- Week 8- kind of.

Today I went for my second appointment at the doctors- bright and early. Thanks to Japanese doctors/nurses efficiency it is a quick process that takes about 40mins or so. Blood pressure was taken with no problem, but then came to filling up the cup- problems... I had just been to the bathroom before I left (thinking that with a giant glass of water in me, I would need to pee again soon), however maybe it was performance anxiety, or just not enough time between bathroom visits, but I couldn't go more than I few drops. After I had decided I was keeping the line waiting too long (no doubt they were wondering just what the gaijin was doing in there) so I gave up and knocked on the window and told her that I went before I left and the I couldn't produce anything sufficient. Luckily for me, she said it was okay and then I had my weight taken (I have dropped about a kilo and a half- thanks to not wanting to eat anything) and the wait for the doctor.

Today my husband came with me, and I was so surprised when the nurses and doctor all said it was okay for him to come in to the ultrasound. I was shocked and was expecting to do a bit of begging- it was nice that I didn't though. After I got in, we realised why it was okay- there were two tv's. So DH (Darling Husband) waited where the doctor sits and watched, and I watched from the room whilst in the chair. It was nice that he got to see the heartbeat and the little baby on screen, which now looks more babylike due to the little arm and leg buds (it look just like Ponyo in his fishy stage). The doc said I am due April 27th, but the scan said May 1st, so we will see if that changes in my next scan.

I  now need to go to city hall (they didn't give me any piece of paper though) to register the pregnancy, so we will see how successful that is. I did ask the nurse if I needed a letter, and she said just to fill out the forms (obviously going with the Japanese system of trust). I will probably do it in two weeks as Monday is the only day that I have time, and next Monday is a public holiday (so the Monday after). I'll let you know how it all goes, but until then we have another great photo on the fridge. Yay.

8 weeks

The 8 week mark is here! Yay! Sometimes time is flying, but sometimes is is really dragging. Morning sickness in the 7th week was terrible (worse than the 6th). I felt perpetually hungover the whole time, without the fun of the night before. So far I have not thrown up, just nausea that ranges from mild level *I wish I could crawl back into bed, and don't touch me* to a moment away from throwing up *Oh god, oh god*. Luckily my husband has been great, and either cooks dinner for us both, or just takes care of himself (usually we used to take it in turns). For many nights I only ate what I could- which wasn't much, and have been surviving on grapes and soft drink. Before pregnancy I wouldn't touch soft drink, but I found that a few mouthfuls of lemonade between classes has been what I need to stop me from passing out on the floor in front of my 2 yr old students.

Thankfully this morning I am feeling a little better (though last night at 3am I was about to throw up and had to eat a banana and suck on some queasy drops until I fell asleep). Hopefully if it is going to continue I would rather have a few days break every now and then. The good news is, every week that passes is a week closer to meeting the little one. And I have read that morning sickness is a sign of a healthy pregnancy- yay!

I swear my figure has changed already- no bump, just wider hips- even though I haven't gained any weight, maybe I have lost a kilo or two though. I went out and bought a scale because I am still worried at being yelled at by my Japanese doctor if I gain the usual amount.

I also have just been looking at the clinic where I am booked into and it looks like there isn't rooming in with the baby. Gah! Not what I want at all. I mean, can you imagine going through morning sickness, pain and then the whole ordeal that is labour only to be separated from your baby for 7 days. I am going to wait until about the 15 week mark until I start pressure my doctor to do a few things the western way (like have the baby sleep in the room). The last thing that I want is to make an enemy of him this early in the game. I have heard that Kangaroo care is getting more and more common these days in Japan, so with any luck there might be other women that have requested rooming in and gotten their way.

I see my doctor on Wednesday (with husband this time- for probably his one and only visit thanks to his school festival this weekend). Let's hope all is going well and that DH will be able to meet the little pea.

7 weeks

Yesterday marked the seven weeks mark (can you tell I am counting) and I was super excited to pass yet another week. The only problem is that I don't really know what week I am on. Most websites will tell you that to work out your due date, you take your last period and go from there. The only problem is, it is based on a 28 days cycle. So what of us who have cycles that are about as accurate as meteorologists? My last few months have been (since coming off the pill)- 28, 28, 28, 32, 31, 39 days. Which means I have no idea just how pregnant I really am. I was able to get a positive test on day 34, but not sure how far along I really am. Either way, it really is only a difference of a week or so, and babies never come on time anyway. So for now I am going by the standard 28 day cycle count and maybe I'll adjust after week 15.

The good news is, I am definitely pregnant and I have a myriad of symptoms to keep reminding me so. The morning sickness has been around for about a week or so; to varying degrees. Only once have I actually felt like I might vomit. The other times come and go and basically feel like I am hungover, or on a boat. I did read that people who get motion sick (that's me) often get worse morning sickness, so I am waiting for the other shoe to drop right now. The only thing I can think of, is because I am used to feeling sick- a lot- my stomach might be used to it. Hopefully if it keeps it's current course then I will be able to manage and most importantly- manage work. I don't want to tell my boss until about week 14 and seeing as I teach little kids whose mums sit in the class (most who have young-ins of their own), they will probably know something is up if I run off to the bathroom mid class- and I am not ready to let the cat out of the bag quite yet. 

Next week I go back to the doctors for the 8 week scan (and hopefully get my proof of pregnancy slip so I can get my pregnancy registered and get cheaper doctors appointments). And by a fluke, DH has days off mid week (school festival on Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon) which means he might be see little akachan.

Talk about alien looking....

Tick. Tick. Tick.- 6 weeks

So, yesterday marked the week six mark. It is quite unbelievable that only a week has passed, when it feels like forever already- especially when I'm holding my breath to get past the most dangerous time. It's worse than being a kid before Christmas. Maybe I should get myself an advent calender so then I can focus more on chocolate, than on  the baby.

Vitamins

So, the other day I mentioned that Mr H and I have been taking vitamins for ages. Buying vitamins in Japan is quite expensive, and I am (for some reason) questionable about their quality. Most big supermarkets and drug stores stock Naturemade (or was it Naturesown), and sometimes a generic (which is cheaper- but again I am unsure about the quality).

Instead, we buy our vitamins from the US. I was using Vitacost, which is cheap and has a great selection- but international postage will send you broke pretty quickly.

These days, I use iherb. The prices are still cheap, but shipping is amazingly cheap. I order several kilos worth of stuff at a time, and I think they have a Y400 flat rate. If you don't have a credit card and are only ordering a little bit, you can use Yamato Cash on Delivery (which is a bit more). Recently, they have had free shipping to Japan- so sign up to the newsletter and look out for specials. If you use this code- MGH707 you will get a discount- yay!

I also order groceries from there too, such a curry sauces, lentils, licorish (love the stuff), and healthy crackers (gosh knows Japan hadn't caught onto the multigrain craze). The only thing they didn't have was TUMS., so I went back to vitacost and paid about $12 for shipping from there last night (as the heartburn seems to have started).

For me, online shopping is the best way to survive over here when I am craving something besides rice, or rice derived products....

Off to the doctor

Still super excited from the positive result, I really wanted to get the baby ball rolling. I had read so many conflicting reports on when to go to the doctor from blogs; some were saying to wait 8 weeks, some were saying you can go straight away. I did a bit of research and found* a doctor in a few towns over, about a 20min drive away. There was small one birthing clinic in my town (that looks a bit like a little shack) but as it is my first child, I felt that having a baby in a bigger place would be better for me and more of a chance that they might speak English. I also chose my clinic based on the fact that they had a really professional website and set up. Also, they do epidurals, which is SUPER rare in Japan (from what I have read). I am thinking I won't be going down that route and do it Japanese style but it is good to know that the less painful option might be there. This clinic is a lot more expensive than our local one. I believe it is about Y600000, maybe more, where as the local clinic was about Y400000. I believe in Japan we get about Y420000 from the government as a baby bonus to pay for the birth (I am still to confirm this number), so with the clinic I have chosen it might only leave us about Y200000 out of pocket.

Anyhoo, so on Monday morning, off I drove to the clinic. The reception area was lovely, with so many pregnant women waiting and their partners. There were a few receptionists behind the desk and also like a concierge (not really), who greets people and helps them. So she sat me down, and (after telling her I can't read Kanji well) she walked me through the form. If your Japanese is about my level (which my teacher thinks I would pass the N4 test- so, lower intermediate) it would be great to bring someone along. I muddled through with my Japanese and my dictionary (for the medical words), and got there without too much trouble.

After I filled out the form, she took me over to get my blood pressure tested (which is a self testing machine in Japan). After which, she told me to sit down and wait for the bathroom and when I go in to write my details on a cup (which was literally a paper cup), fill it up and then open the little window and stick it through, and to do this every time I come in. Though I understood it all, I was a little unsure I had translated it correctly, but luckily it all made sense when I got into the bathroom. After that, there was a wait for a nurse and thank goodness, they gave me one who spoke a little bit of English. Which at that stage made it go a little bit quicker as we had to run through my medical history- which really would have been pushing it for me. We took my weight and then it was another wait in a different area for a doctor. She told me that the doctor I would be seeing is old, and he talks really fast but he could speak a little bit of English- Yay!.

The wait at this clinic was quite short, I think this is due to the no nonsense approach and kind of lack of bedside manner (not that the doctor was rude, but just no mucking around.). So off I went where he greeted me and then a nurse took me to 'the chair' (which is half hidden by a curtain) where I was told to strip off and climb into the stirrups. Once ready, they move the chair higher until your bottom half is completely covered by the curtain, so all you can see is the occasional pair of feet. It's a little weird to get used to, but I suppose it's the way they do things over here. I just hope they aren't pulling faces behind there.

First thing first was a pap smear (ouch), but then after they do the internal ultrasound and sure enough, on the screen next to me was a little dot, about 3.8mm wide. "Congratulations, you're pregnant".

After all was done, I was rushed out of there pretty quick (not rudely, but I got the impression that sitting for a chat or getting advice was not the thing to do). The only thing he said to me was that I shouldn't have any hot springs any more (being Summer right now, it really isn't a problem though). He did ask if I had any questions, so I asked if my husband could be in the delivery room with me. He kind of brushed me off, but said yes, so I got the impression that the time for those sorts of questions was not yet, if never.

The visit cost Y10500 (about $120). These visits should (hopefully) be subsidised in the future by the government once I notify them of my pregnancy (but I got the impression from the receptionist it might be too early to do that yet). I will go back in 8 weeks if it all goes well (fingers crossed), but until then, it will be baby steps on the long road ahead...





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*This is a great site to find an OB/GYN. It is in Japanese, but if you have google chrome set to autotranslate, you will hopefully  be able to find a doctor around your area. http://women.benesse.ne.jp/kensaku/obstetrics_and_gynecology/

Here are some useful words for pregnancy related things that I got from this site (great site, by the way): http://tokyopregnancygroup.blogspot.jp/2007/03/labour-and-delivery-japanese-vocabulary.html

General vocabulary

anemia: hinketsu

backache: senaka ga itai

bleeding: shukketsu

delivery: osan, bunben

indigestion: shoka furyo

infection: kansen

admission: nyu-in

midwife clinic: josan-in

midwife: josanpu

nurse: kangofu-san, naasu

obstetrics and gynecology: sanfujinka

swelling: hare

toxemia: ninshin chudokusho

uterus: shikyu

vagina: chitsu

vaginal discharge: taige, orimono

Pregnancy

due date: bunben yoteibi

last menstrual period: saishu gekkei

morning sickness: tsuwari

pregnant: ninshin shiteiru

pregnant woman: ninpu

Labor

breech position: sakago

show (pink or bloody, jelly-like discharge): shirushi

labor pain: jintsu

rupture of membrane: hasui

cesarean section: teio sekkai

fetal monitor: taiji kanshi sochi

pain or discomfort: itami, itai desu

shaving: teimo

enema: kanchoo

injection: chusha

general anesthetic: zenshin masui

epidural: komakugai masui

spinal anesthetic: sekizui masui

Delivery

delivery room: bunben shitsu

delivery table: bunben dai

episiotomy: ein sekkai

father attending birth: otto tachiai bunben

pillow: makura

placenta: taiban

umbilical cord: heso no o

vaginal delivery: keichitsu bunben

I want to push: Ikimitai

Push now: Ima ikinde.

Don't push: Ikimanaide.

Telephone Phrases

Hello, this is xxxx moshi moshi, xxxx desu

The labor begins: Jintsu ga hajimarimashita

It comes every 10 minutes and lasts 50 seconds: Ju (10) pun oki de, goju (50) byo tsuzukimasu

The water flows: hasui shimashita

How long does it take to come to a clinic: byoin made nanpun kakarimasu-ka?

20 minutes by taxi: takusi de niju (20) pun desu Postpartum

bowel movement: otsuuji, haiben

catheter: kuda, kateteru

constipation: bempi

diarrhea: geri

lochia, normal bleeding after delivery: oro

heavy bleeding or hemorrhage: shukketsu

laxative: kangezai, bempi yaku

perineum: einbu

rooming-in: boshi doshitsu

sanitary pads: napukin

stool: ben

urine: o-shosui

I want to go to the toilet: Toire ni ikitai

Please may I get up? Okitemo ii desu-ka?

The Baby

baby: akachan

birth certificate: shussei shoomeisho

jaundice: odan

meconium: taiben

May I see my baby? Akachan ni attemo ii desu-ka?

May I hold my baby? Akachan o daitemo ii desu-ka?

Please bring my baby: Akachan o tsurete kite kudasai.

nursery: shinseiji shitsu

Breastfeeding

breast: oppai, o-chichi

breastfeeding room: junyu shitstu

breast massage: o-chichi no massaji

breast milk: bonyu

breast pump: sakunyuki

colostrum: shonyu

formula: miruku

glucose water: budoto eki, tosui

nipples: chikubi

I want to breastfeed: O-chichi o agetai desu.

May I feed my baby? Akachan ni o-chichi o agetomo ii desu-ka?

My breasts are full: O-chichi ga hatte imasu.

My nipples are sore: Chikubi ga itai desu.

General Hospital Phrases

What are you doing? Nani o shitemasuka?

Who are you? Donata desu-ka?

Please call the doctor/nurse. Oisha-san/kangofu-san o yonde kudasai

Hajime Baby

So this blog is a bit of a mix- Half to help other pregnant gaijin in Japan, and half to track my own adventure of having a baby (I apologise for the TMI that may come from the latter). Please also note I am not a doctor and have no idea what I am doing.
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It all started about 9 months ago (December 2012), when my husband (whom I will refer to here on as Mr H) and I decided that one day in the near future, we would have a baby. We were planning on starting in April, but a new job and a move meant I wanted to do the right thing by my company and postpone it. Though, I did reveal before I was hired that we were planning on starting a family sometime later in the year (and was hired any way). It is worth noting that if you are married and of a certain age, employers will ask if you (a) have kids, or (b) are wanting them soon, and most won't touch you if the answer yes to is either. I was lucky that my boss is a foreigner, and I guess he weighed the pros and cons.

So since December last year, I have been on all the multivitamins, DHA, calcium and vitamin D, and Mr has been taking Multivitamins with folate, zinc, DHA, calcium and iron. I went off the pill in February and started tracking my (irregular) cycles. We are not sure if it was because of all the planning, the daily shagging, or just plain luck, but when we started trying this month we were fortunate enough to fall pregnant straight away.

I had an inkling right away as I was having massive cramps before the communists were supposed to begin their march (which never happens) and then they failed to appear (though, with my irregularity, it was no surprise). Two days later (the earlier you take a test, the more chance of a false positive) I took a test* and bam! Two blue lines signalling the start of a new adventure. Yay!





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*Home pregnancy tests can be bought easily from the big pharmacies. 'Create' is the big one in my area, and they are found in the sanitary napkin aisle. I have read that sometimes they are near the condoms though. I bought a pack with two, as it was one test for Y800, or two for Y1100. I have since found cheaper at other pharmacies, but when you are that excited to find out, who wants to shop around. I bought a 'clear blue' test because it is an international brand and has basic English instructions inside (or, mine did).